By REBECCA BILLS
THE power of community connections shone through after a Melba Support Services client was able to attend a home game at the Mooroolbark Football Club.
Member of the football club and owner of the Mount Evelyn Post Office Garry Freeman assisted football fanatic Tony Agostinelli to watch one of the team’s home games earlier this month.
Outcomes Development Co-ordinator at Melba Support Services Sarina Bunnett said it was fabulous to see Mr Agostinelli being made to feel so welcome and at home by everyone at the football club.
“Supporting people to build on their social networks and investing in their social capital is a huge part of what we do at Melba,” she said.
“Many of us love to feel connected and part of a group or club.
“Sometimes making those connections is as simple as listening to what a person’s interests are and finding others who share those same interests and helping them connect.”
Mr Agostinelli was able to spend some time with the senior players while watching the reserves play and then enjoyed a lunch with everyone wishing the seniors luck before their afternoon game.
Mr Freeman said the day was a great success and after knowing Mr Agostinelli for many years and his passion for football he knew how much he would love it.
“The thing about the club is all the boys are very supportive and they all loved meeting him as well,” he said.
“For Tony the experience was like taking him to the MCG, it really is such a buzz for him.
“We had a good win on the day, too, so it made it better again and, of course, it was all because Tony was there.”
Mr Freeman said he wants to make visits like this more common next year to help the club give back to the community.
Community Relations and Development Officer at Melba Support Services Lisa Glassborow said Mr Agostinelli does not use a lot of verbal communication but he was beaming after the day.
“His smile showed it all, he was just over the moon,” she said.
Melba Support Services is a not-for-profit, community based organisation that supports people who live with a disability to lead lives of their choice.
